Governor's Award

The highest level of recognition is presented to organizations that have demonstrated through their practices and achievements the highest level of performance excellence. Application in this level requires completion of a 2017 Key Business Factors Worksheetthat provides an overview of the organization's operation, an organizational profile written from the KBF Worksheet and the signature of the executive leader of the organization indicating his/her commitment. The application should also include a self-assessment (minimum of 50 pages) of how the organization is applying the seven categories and 18 items of the award criteria.

Participants in this level are required to have a site visit by the examination team. A written feedback report outlining strengths and areas for improvement is provided. Applicants in this level are required to provide an examiner trainee for 2017 and provide support to the program through voluntary assistance to other organizations.

Recognition is provided in this level to organizations that are outstanding examples of organizations demonstrating high levels of performance excellence in Arkansas, exhibiting best-in-class processes that serve as role models for others. For an application, go to 2017 Governor's Quality Award Application.

Achievement Award

Organizations applying for this level, through their commitment and practice of quality principles, have demonstrated systematic processes. Application in this level requires a completion of a 2017 Key Business Factors Worksheetwhich provides an overview of the organization's operation, an organizational profile written from the information provided on the KBF Worksheet, and the signature of the executive leader of the organization indicating his/her commitment. The application should also include a self-assessment (maximum of 50 pages) of how the organization is applying the seven categories and 18 items of the award criteria.

Participants in this level may request a site visit by the examination team. A written feedback report outlining strengths and areas for improvement toward the next level of achievement is provided. Applicants in this level are required to provide an examiner trainee for 2017 and provide support to the program through voluntary assistance to other organizations.

Recognition is provided to organizations that have demonstrated significant progress in building sound and notable processes through their commitment and practice of quality principles to attain performance excellence. For an application, go to 2017 Governor's Quality Award Application.

Commitment Award

This level is designed for organizations that have progressed to a point of demonstrating serious commitment to the use of quality principles to attain performance excellence. Application in this level requires completion of a 2017 Key Business Factors Worksheet which provides an overview of the organization's operation, an orgnanizational profile written from the information provided in the KBF worksheet and the signature of the executive leader of the organization indicating his/her commitment. The application should also include a report (5-20 pages) of how the organization is applying the seven categories of the award criteria by answering designated questions provided by the Governor's Quality Award office.

A written feedback report outlining strengths and areas for improvement toward the next category of achievement is provided.

Recognition is provided to organizations that have advanced from the knowledge and skills gained from initial steps and have a plan to move the organization toward quality improvement to achieve performance excellence and have progressed to a point of potential serious commitment. For an application, go to 2017 Governor's Quality Award Application.

Challenge Award

This level is the starting point for any organization expressing interest in adopting and applying quality principles as identified by the seven categories of the award criteria. The categories are: 1) Leadership; 2) Strategic Planning; 3) Customer and Market Focus; 4) Measurement, Analysis and Knowledge Management; 5) Human Resource Focus; 6) Process Management; and 7) Results.

Application at this level requires completion of a 2017 Key Business Factors Worksheetand a three- to five-page overview of the organization's operation and the signature of the executive leader of the organization indicating his/her commitment. Feedback is provided on the Organizaitonal Profile.

Recognition is given to organizations completing the basic elements associated with quality awareness and understanding. Applicants will learn how to use the criteria as an assessment tool for continuous improvement to achieve performance excellence. For an application, go to 2017 Governor's Quality Award Application.